James Franklin confirms Tony Rojas injury, warns of Penn State depth crisis

James Franklin confirms Tony Rojas injury, warns of Penn State depth crisis originally appeared on The Sporting News

Penn State’s defense has been dealt a significant blow as head coach James Franklin confirmed junior linebacker Tony Rojas will miss extended time with a long-term injury.

Rojas, who returned this fall from offseason shoulder surgery, had been off to the strongest start of his career and was considered a rising star within the program.

Through four games, he ranked second on the team with 25 tackles, tying for the lead in tackles for loss with 4.5, and recording two sacks.

Franklin said the injury hit both Rojas and the team hard.

“Obviously [Rojas was] personally disappointed, and then [there was] disappointment with the team as well,” Franklin explained after practice. “But you know, the next guy is going to have to step up. And I think the sooner that Tony can get involved in helping prepare those guys and get them ready to play, the better we’ll be, and the better he'll be.”

Rojas sidelined after breakout start

Before the injury, Rojas had started every game for the Nittany Lions this season, flashing the potential Franklin praised in the summer.

“I think he’s got a chance to be special,” Franklin said earlier, noting the strides Rojas had made after recovering from shoulder surgery.

The linebacker himself admitted the difference in playing pain-free.

“It’s so much better,” Rojas said. “I could just play free.”

Knowles highlighted the growth in Rojas’ physical play and football IQ, explaining how the junior had begun to anticipate plays.

“He’s learning the scheme, which can allow him to know where the ball is going to be before it gets there. So he can play even faster,” Knowles said during the bye week.

Now, Franklin and the staff must adjust. Veteran Dom DeLuca, a three-time captain, is expected to step into Rojas’s spot. Franklin also indicated that freshmen Alex Tatsch and Cam Smith are being considered for expanded roles.

Here at Penn State practice.

Not seeing LB Tony Rojas among the group pic.twitter.com/PU8z2Wf1mC

— Avery Hill (@official_aveee) October 1, 2025

Tatsch impressed coaches with 21 snaps against Villanova, including a tackle for loss. Linebackers coach Dan Connor noted his physicality and drive to learn, while Knowles said his practice performance made him “worth the investment.”

Penn State faces depth test

Rojas’ absence came when the linebacker corps was already thin. Knowles admitted during the bye week that the unit was still “searching for depth” beyond Rojas, DeLuca, and Amare Campbell. Losing one of the group’s top performers puts added pressure on inexperienced players.

On Instagram, Rojas posted a story highlighting grit, resilience, and faith as he set his sights on recovery.

Per Tony Rojas’ Instagram: pic.twitter.com/PYR4UDJz1K

— Joel Haas (@Joel_Haas1) October 2, 2025

DeLuca, who has 12 tackles and a sack this season, will now carry a greater load. He was previously used as a complement in the rotation but is being asked to become a centerpiece.

Defensive end Zuriah Fisher said he spoke with Rojas about staying positive.

“He’s gonna bounce back, whatever he’s going through,” Fisher said. “I’m just always being his ear, because I went through it before.”

Penn State travels to UCLA this weekend with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET at the Rose Bowl.